Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not a licensed or soon-to-be licensed therapist (MFT, LCSW, PsyD, etc), but I’m interested in applying. Am I eligible?

Yes, allied professionals are encouraged to apply. However, it's important that all practitioners who are not clinically licensed are aware that we are teaching from a context of clinically licensed therapists who work within the therapeutic frame. That doesn't mean other practitioners won't benefit greatly from the course and be able to integrate much of the material into existing coaching/physical therapy practices, but it's important to understand this specific context.

Am I required to complete the online asynchronous coursework on Canvas?

The course is separated into two different components: synchronous (in-person or online via Zoom) and online asynchronous (via Canvas). The online asynchronous work on Canvas is not required to complete our certificate program and receive a digital certificate. It is required if you want to go on to apply for AASECT certification.

The asynchronous portion of the course is designed as a supplement to the synchronous material specifically for those seeking AASECT certification. It contains 90 hours of work and it is done at your own pace. Students have one additional year to complete the asynchronous portion. For example, if you join the certificate for a Fall cohort, you will have until December 31 of the following year to complete the online asynchronous coursework.

Am I eligible to receive Continuing Education (CE) credits from the certificate?

Yes. This program meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 165 CE credits (75 Synchronous & 90 Asynchronous). Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT Certification. For further information please contact ce@aasect.org.

In addition, the certificate meets the qualifications for hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. California Institute of Integral Studies is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for the licenses listed above. California Institute of Integral Studies maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. BBS licensed individuals from states other than California need to check with their state licensing board for approval.

I’m in the process of becoming a licensed therapist, but I haven’t started my practicum yet. Am I eligible to apply?

Under specific circumstances, prospective medical and mental health professionals who are not yet licensed may apply if they have completed the great majority of their coursework and have secured a traineeship or internship for gaining training hours of counseling and psychotherapy and have plans to complete their coursework in parallel. We have found that the coursework is most useful for those who have already begun practicum or are seeing clients, allowing them to incorporate the material into their practice. However, it is ultimately up to you when to apply.

How many students are in each cohort?

Our cohorts are typically 25-30 students.

What kind of clients do you work with?

Our Certificate provides training for therapists in the form of in-person and online coursework. The students of our Certificate program work with a diverse range of clients.

How do I become an AASECT-certified Sex Therapist after completing the Sex Therapy Certificate program?

For anyone seeking AASECT certification, we recommend reviewing the list of requirements on AASECT’s website. There two main components to the AASECT application: educational training and supervision hours. Our program satisfied ALL of the educational training requirements set out by AASECT. Upon completion of our program, participants will be eligible to conduct 300 hours of practical training in sex therapy in discussion with an AASECT certified sex therapy supervisor. AASECT requires 50 hours of supervision. Therapists can begin accruing supervised sex therapy hours after being enrolled in graduate school; they MUST have a contract arranged with an AASECT supervisor prior to any hours counting toward AASECT certification.The STC team will help you find a supervisor in your area and also provide a list of supervisors around the country that provide low-cost or sliding scale supervision.

After completion of the supervision hours, applicants send their documentation of coursework and supervised hours to AASECT as an application for certification. CIIS will provide a packet of helpful materials to assist students in applying for AASECT certification, including a helpful breakdown of Core Knowledge Area requirements met for each hour of teaching and an application filled in with their specific cohort’s information to be used as a guide.

Does STC include supervision hours, practicum, or internships?

Our Certificate does not include supervision hours, practicum, or internships. However, we will assist certificate students in finding an appropriate supervisor. We will also provide a list of supervisors around the country that provide low-cost or sliding scale supervision.

What does the curriculum consist of?

View the Sex Therapy Certificate courses.

What opportunities are there as a sex therapist?

Our program is designed for existing therapists, or allied professionals, to gain additional training in sexuality. For more information on the field of Sex Therapy, check out the AASECT website.

Can I use federal student loans to pay for the certificate?

Unfortunately, certificate programs are not eligible for student loans. Certificates are technically considered “Continuing Education” and students are not considered matriculated college students, and so most tuition-based scholarships and loans do not apply.

What are the details of the payment plan?

Payment plans are offered at no additional cost. The specific details of these payment plans will be sent out as part of a welcome packet once the application period is over and all applicants are accepted. See below for more details.

If you have additional questions contact us.